Metrology device support system

ABSTRACT

A metrology device includes a housing, a lower support structure, a PCB coupled to the lower support structure, and a cover coupled to the lower support structure and the housing. The housing supports the cover in three coordinate directions. The lower support structure includes a first pillar that supports the PCB and mechanically couples with the cover. The first pillar causes the PCB to stand off from the lower support structure and causes the cover to stand off from the PCB. The metrology device also includes a second pillar that extends from the lower support structure to a base to cause the lower support structure to stand off from the base. The cover has a non-circle shape, and a cross section of the housing at a same elevation of the housing as an elevation of the cover within the housing is a circle.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/119,723, filed on Dec. 11, 2020, which claimspriority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/072,020, filedAug. 28, 2020, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to utility meters.Specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods ofventing and increasing convection of heat within a metrology device.

BACKGROUND

Utility metering units such as electric, water and gas meters aredevices that measure the amount of the utility such as electricity,water, and gas consumed by a residence, a business, or an electricallypowered device. During the lifetime of a utility metering unit, theutility metering unit may be exposed to a myriad of environmentalconditions that may affect the performance and functionality of theutility metering unit. For example, the utility meter may be exposed tothermal fluctuations. Thermal fluctuations may be caused by electricalcomponents within the utility meter creating heat within the enclosureof the utility meter. Further, the thermal fluctuations may be createdas direct or indirect sunlight impinges on the utility meter throughouta given period of time.

These thermal fluctuations may create distinct areas within the utilitymeter that are relatively hotter than other areas. These environmentalconditions may diminish the on-field longevity of the utility meter.Thus, the environmental conditions may result in higher costs to autility provider and/or a utility consumer. A rise in temperature mayoverstress sensitive electronic components. Lower convective airflows,stagnant insulative air spaces, poor air mixing, and/or higher averagetemperatures within the meter may also contribute to the overstressingof the sensitive electronic components. For example, air flow and mixingmay be impeded by the upper customer facing support structures such as,for example, housings, covers, nameplate bezels, and front plates,printed circuit boards (PCBs), support structures and other elementswithin the utility meter. Therefore, maximizing convective airflow whilenot compromising the structural integrity of the utility meter orexposing the electronics to harmful ultraviolet (UV) light exposure mayprove difficult.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth below with reference to theaccompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of areference number identifies the figure in which the reference numberfirst appears. The use of the same reference numbers in differentfigures indicates similar or identical items. The systems depicted inthe accompanying figures are not to scale and components within thefigures may be depicted not to scale with each other.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a high-level view of a network includingnodes configured with temperature mitigation and air convectionelements, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a utility meter, according toan example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cut-away, perspective view of a utility meter,according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cut-away, perspective view of a utility meter,according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cut-away, perspective view of a utility meter witha housing removed, according to an example of the principles describedherein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a utility meter with a housingremoved, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a utility meter with a housingremoved, according to an example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a utility meter with a housingand a cover removed, according to an example of the principles describedherein.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

As mentioned above, a utility metering unit (also referred to herein asa “utility meter” or a “metrology device”) may be subjected to variousenvironmental conditions that cause thermal fluctuations to occur withinthe utility meter. Further, the utility meter may include areas withinthe utility meter that have relatively higher temperatures as comparedto other areas within the utility meter since structures within theutility meter impede or prevent the flow of air throughout the internalportions of the utility meter. An increase in temperature within theutility meter overall and/or the creation of relatively warmer sectionsinside the utility meter may cause electric devices including radios,transceivers, processor(s), and even circuit elements such as resistors,inductors, capacitors, memristors, varistors, etc. to work lessefficiently, prematurely fail, and even cause damage to neighboringelements within the utility meter. Thus, it is desirable to mitigatetemperature rises within the utility meter in order to avoid overstressand/or failure of sensitive electronic components.

Mitigation of these temperature rises and pockets of high temperaturemay prove difficult. Some utility meters may include elements that lowerconvective airflow and promote stagnant insulative air spaces. Thisresults in poor convective airflow and low air mixing which, in turn,creates higher average temperatures within the utility meter. In someutility meters, the convection of air throughout the internal portionsof the utility meters may be primarily impeded by an upper, customerfacing support structures such as inner covers and nameplate bezels.Further, the convection of air throughout the internal portions of theutility meters may be secondarily impeded by lower support structureswithin the utility meter.

In attempting to increase convective airflow within the interior of theutility meter, mechanical structures may be modified to increase theflow of air between portions of the utility meter. Maximizing convectiveairflow while not compromising the structural integrity of the utilitymeter will cause the utility meter to function more effectively, safely,and with reduced or eliminated failures. Further, by not exposing thesensitive electronics and electrical devices within the utility meter toharmful ultraviolet (UV) light will also cause the utility meter tofunction more effectively, safely, and with reduced or eliminatedfailures.

Overview

In the examples described herein, a reduction in internal temperaturewithin, and consistent temperatures throughout the utility meter may beachieved by including the vented internal cover and edge mate supportframe described herein. Further, the opaque outer cover described hereinfurther contributes to mitigating increases in temperature due to solarheat gain caused by an increase in thermal energy within the utilitymeter as it absorbs incident solar radiation.

Examples described herein provide a metrology device including a base, ahousing coupled to the base, a lower support structure coupled to thebase, a printed circuit board (PCB) coupled to the lower supportstructure, and a cover coupled to the lower support structure and thehousing, the cover covering the PCB. The cover includes a perimeter thatincludes at least one portion that stands off of or away from aninterior surface of the housing.

The housing may be a white body. The lower support structure includes afirst pillar. The first pillar supports the PCB and mechanically coupleswith the cover. The first pillar causes the PCB to stand off from thelower support structure and causes the cover to stand off from the PCB.The lower support structure includes a clip to mechanically couple thecover to the lower support structure. The lower support structureincludes a second pillar. The second pillar extends from the lowersupport structure to the base to cause the lower support structure tostand off from the base.

The cover has a first area smaller than a second area of a cross sectionof the housing at a same elevation of the housing as an elevation of thecover within the housing. The cover has a first shape that is differentfrom a second shape of a cross section of the housing at an elevation ofthe housing equal to a position of the cover within the housing. Thecover has a non-circle shape, and a cross section of the housing at anelevation of the housing equal to a position of the cover within thehousing is a circle.

Examples described herein also provide a support system of a metrologydevice. The support system includes a lower support structure, a printedcircuit board (PCB) coupled to the lower support structure, and a covercoupled to the lower support structure, the cover covering the PCB. Thelower support structure includes a first pillar. The first pillarsupports the PCB and mechanically couples with the cover. The firstpillar causes the PCB to stand off from the lower support structure andcauses the cover to stand off from the PCB.

The lower support structure includes a first pillar. The first pillarsupports the PCB and mechanically couples with the cover. The firstpillar causes the PCB to stand off from the lower support structure andcauses the cover to stand off from the PCB. The lower support structureincludes a clip to mechanically couple the cover to the lower supportstructure. The lower support structure includes a second pillar. Thesecond pillar extends from the lower support structure to a base tocause the lower support structure to stand off from the base.

The support system further includes a base supporting the lower supportstructure, and a housing coupled to the base. The housing supports thecover in three coordinate directions. The housing may be a white body.The cover has a first area smaller than a second area of a cross sectionof the housing at a same elevation of the housing as an elevation of thecover within the housing. The cover has a first shape that is differentfrom a second shape of a cross section of the housing at an elevation ofthe housing equal to a position of the cover within the housing. Thecover has a non-circle shape, and a cross section of the housing at anelevation of the housing equal to a position of the cover within thehousing is a circle.

Examples described herein also provide a metrology device including ahousing, a lower support structure, a printed circuit board (PCB)coupled to the lower support structure, and a cover coupled to the lowersupport structure and the housing. The cover covers the PCB. The housingsupports the cover in three coordinate directions. The lower supportstructure includes a first pillar. The first pillar supports the PCB andmechanically couples with the cover. The first pillar causes the PCB tostand off from the lower support structure and causes the cover to standoff from the PCB. The metrology device also includes a clip tomechanically couple the cover to the lower support structure. Themetrology device also includes a second pillar. The second pillarextends from the lower support structure to a base to cause the lowersupport structure to stand off from the base. The cover has a non-circleshape, and a cross section of the housing at an elevation of the housingequal to a position of the cover within the housing is a circle.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a high-levelview of a network architecture 100 including nodes 106 configured withtemperature mitigation and air convection elements, according to anexample of the principles described herein. FIG. 1 also includes acomponent diagram of example components of a node 106 that includes thetemperature mitigation and air convection elements. The networkarchitecture 100 includes a plurality of node(s) 106-1, 106-2, 106-3,106-4, 106-5, 106-6, 106-7, . . . , 106-N, where N is any integergreater than or equal to 1 (collectively referred to herein as node(s)106 unless specifically addressed otherwise). The nodes 106 arecommunicatively coupled to each other via direct communication paths or“links.” In this example, N represents a number of nodes in anautonomous routing area (ARA), such as a wide area network (WAN),metropolitan area network (MAN), local area network (LAN), neighborhoodarea network (NAN), field area network (FAN), personal area network(PAN), among other types of networks. As an example, nodes 106 may beconfigured in a radio frequency (RF) mesh, a power line communication(PLC) mesh, or both. In one example, nodes 106 may be part of a lowpower and lossy network (LLN).

As used in the present specification and in the appended claims, theterm “link” is meant to be understood broadly as any directcommunication path between two nodes (e.g., a “one hop” transmissionthat does not pass through or become propagated by another node). Eachlink may represent a plurality of channels or one or more variable datarate channels over which a node 106 is able to transmit or receive data.Each link may include multiple communication technologies, such as, forexample, one or more RF communication technologies, one or more PLCcommunication technologies, or both (among other communicationtechnologies). Thus, the communication technologies may utilize RFsignals and/or PLC signals (among other types of signals) incommunicating with one another and with other devices, systems, andnetworks such as, for example, a central office 102.

One or more channels may use a power line communication (PLC) system tocommunicate using a PLC communications technology. Thus, a link mayinclude portions based on multiple communication medias including PLCportions. Likewise, various links may use multiple different PLCcommunications technologies (e.g., various modulation techniques,bandwidths, data rates, center frequencies, protocols, etc.).

The channels on a link may include a control channel and multiple datachannels. In one example, the control channel may be utilized forcommunicating one or more messages between nodes to specify one of thedata channels utilized to transfer data. Generally, transmissions on thecontrol channel are shorter relative to transmissions on the datachannels. Once specified, the nodes 106 may move to the data channel forcommunication.

Each of the nodes 106 may be implemented as, or associated with, any ofa variety of computing devices such as, for example, smart utilitymeters (e.g., electric, gas, and/or water meters), sensors (e.g.,temperature sensors, weather stations, frequency sensors, etc.), controldevices, transformers, routers, servers, relays (e.g., cellular relays),switches, valves, power line communication (PLC) transceivers,combinations of the foregoing, or any device couplable to acommunication network and capable of sending and/or receiving data.

In this example, the nodes 106 may also be configured to communicatewith one or more central processing facilities such as the centraloffice 102 via an edge device (e.g., cellular relay, cellular router,edge router, destination oriented directed acyclic graph (DODAG) root,etc.) which serves as a connection point of the ARA to a backhaulnetwork(s), such as the Internet or one or more public or privateintranets. In the illustrated example, node 106-1 may serve as an edgedevice and/or cellular relay to relay communications from the othernodes 106-2 through 106-N of the ARA to and from the central office 102via the network(s) 104.

As an example, node 106-N may be representative of each of the nodes 106and includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 120, a radio (e.g., atransceiver) 108, a PLC transceiver 110, a processing unit 112, and amemory 116. The PCB 120 may include any device that mechanicallysupports and electrically connects electrical or electronic componentsusing conductive traces, tracks, pads, and other features etched fromone or more sheet layers of copper laminated onto and/or between sheetlayers of a non-conductive, insulating substrate. The electrical orelectronic components may be soldered onto the PCB 120 to bothelectrically connect and mechanically fasten them to the PCB 120.Elements that may be mechanically and/or electrically coupled to the PCB120 may include the radio 108, the PLC transceiver 110, the processingunit 112 along with its processor(s) 114, and the memory 116, amongother elements.

In the examples described herein, the PCB 120 may also be coupled to oneor more structural elements within the node 106 to mutually mechanicallysupport the PCB 120 and the one or more structural elements. Asdescribed in more detail below, the PCB 120 may be mechanically coupledto a cover 124, a lower support structure 126, and a base 128 (amongother elements) either directly or indirectly such that these elementscooperatively support one another as a single unit when coupledtogether. The manner in which the PCB 120, the cover 124, the lowersupport structure 126, and the base 128 are coupled reduce or eliminatepossible damage to the node 106 when being manufactured, transported toan installation location, installed at the location, and/or whenmaintenance is being performed on the node 106. In the examplesdescribed herein, the mutual mechanical support may support theseelements of the node 106 in the x, y, and z coordinate directions.

The radio 108 may include a radio frequency (RF) transceiver that may beconfigured to receive RF signals associated with multiple different RFcommunication technologies (e.g., FSK, OQPSK, OFDM, CDMA, etc.) at avariety of data rates, and transmit RF signals via one or more of aplurality of RF communication technologies. The radio 108 may include amultiple protocol receiver and may be configured to listen for aplurality of different RF communication technologies in a parallelfashion across multiple links. The radio 108 may also be configured todetermine, or facilitate determination of, a received signal strength,such as a “received signal indicator” (RSI) for one or more of theplurality of different RF communication technologies.

In some implementations, each of the nodes 106 includes a single radio108 configured to send and receive data on multiple different channels,such as the control channel and multiple data channels of eachcommunication link. The radio 108 may also be configured to implement aplurality of different data rates, protocols, signal strengths, and/orpower levels. The network architecture 100 may represent a heterogeneousnetwork of nodes 106, in that the nodes 106 may include different typesof nodes (e.g., smart meters, cellular relays, sensors, etc.), differentgenerations or models of nodes, and/or nodes that otherwise are capableof transmitting on different channels and using different communicationtechnologies, data rates, protocols, signal strengths, and/or powerlevels.

The power line communication (PLC) transceiver 110 is configured totransmit and/or receive one or more communication signals on electricalpower wiring, including local power wiring and long distance highvoltage transmission lines. The PLC transceiver 110 may transmit and/orreceive different types of power line communications that include one ormore PLC communication technologies (e.g., narrowband PLC, broadbandPLC, power line digital subscriber line (PDSL), power line telecom(PLT), power line networking (PLN), broadband over power lines (BPL),etc.) having one or more frequency bands, channels, data rates and/ortypes of modulation that may depend on the propagation characteristicsof the power wiring used.

The processing unit 112 is coupled to the radio 108, the PLC transceiver110, and the memory 116, and may include one or more processor(s) 114communicatively coupled to the memory 116. The memory 116 may beconfigured to store one or more software and/or firmware modules 118,which are executable on the processor(s) 114 to implement variousfunctions. While the modules are described herein as being softwareand/or firmware executable on a processor, in other examples, any or allof the modules may be implemented in whole or in part by hardware (e.g.,as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a specializedprocessing unit, digital signal processor, etc.) to execute thedescribed functions. In the example of FIG. 1, the memory 116 includesany software and/or firmware executable to bring about any function ofthe node 106 as a utility meter and a device within a network of nodes106 including send and receive communications, detect utilityconsumption, and process data, among other functions of a utility meter.

The memory 116 may comprise computer-readable media and may take theform of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) and/ornon-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM) or flash RAM.Computer-readable media includes volatile and non-volatile, removableand non-removable media implemented in any method or technology forstorage of information such as computer-readable instructions, datastructures, program modules, or other data for execution by one or moreprocessors of a computing device. Examples of computer-readable mediainclude, but are not limited to, phase change memory (PRAM), staticrandom-access memory (SRAM), dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), othertypes of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM),electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flashmemory or other memory technology, compact disk read-only memory(CD-ROM), digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage,magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or othermagnetic storage devices, or any other non-transmission medium that canbe used to store information for access by a computing device. Asdefined herein, computer-readable media does not include communicationmedia, such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

The network(s) 104 may represent a backhaul network, which may itselfcomprise a wireless or a wired network, or a combination thereof. Thenetwork(s) 104 may be a collection of individual networks interconnectedwith each other and functioning as a single large network (e.g., theInternet and/or one or more intranets). Further, the individual networksmay be wireless or wired networks, or a combination thereof.

The central office 102 may be implemented by one or more computingdevices, such as servers, personal computers, and laptop computers,among others. The one or more computing devices may be equipped with oneor more processor(s) communicatively coupled to memory. In someexamples, the central office 102 includes a centralized meter datamanagement system which performs processing, analysis, storage, and/ormanagement of data received from one or more of the nodes 106. Forexample, the central office 102 may process, analyze, store, and/ormanage data obtained from a smart utility meter, sensor, control device,router, regulator, server, relay, switch, valve, and/or other nodes.Although the example of FIG. 1 illustrates the central office 102 in asingle location, in some examples the central office may be distributedamongst multiple locations and/or may be eliminated entirely (e.g., inthe case of a highly decentralized distributed computing platform).

Electrical power may be measured by the node 106-N as the power is usedor consumed by a consumer. In one example, a transformer (not shown)delivers power to a consumer by an electrical conductor 130. In oneexample, the quantity of power that is delivered is measured by ametrology unit associated with node 106-N. The metrology unit associatedwith node 106-N is able to detect, measure, interrupt, and protect thenode 106-N from the power delivered over the conductor 130. Theelectrical power measured by the metrology unit may be transmitted tothe central office 102, and the central office 102 may be configured toinclude collection engine (CE) functionality. In one example, aspects ofthe CE functionality may be distributed, partly or fully, within some orall of the nodes 106. The central office 102 and its functionality maybe centralized within a utility company, distributed among locationswithin the network 104, and/or located in a data center location or“cloud” environment.

Having described the environment in which the node 106 operates, thephysical elements of the node 106 (e.g., utility meter) will now bedescribed in connection with FIGS. 2 through 8. Although the nodes 106have been referred to as “nodes” within this description, the nodes 106may also be referred to as a utility metering unit, a utility meter, ora metrology device, and will be referred to as a utility meter inconnection with FIGS. 2 through 8 to invoke the physical aspects of theutility meter 106. In FIGS. 1 through 8, reference numbers are numberedbased on the first figure in numerical order in which that element isintroduced. Therefore, reference within the drawings to an element maybe made to the figure numbered as the number of the first digit (e.g.,hundreds place) of that element.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a utility meter 106, accordingto an example of the principles described herein. FIG. 3 illustrates acut-away, perspective view of the utility meter 106, according to anexample of the principles described herein. FIG. 4 illustrates acut-away, perspective view of the utility meter 106, according to anexample of the principles described herein. FIG. 5 illustrates acut-away, perspective view of the utility meter 106 with a housing 122removed, according to an example of the principles described herein.FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the utility meter 106 with the housing122 removed, according to an example of the principles described herein.FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the utility meter 106 with thehousing 122 removed, according to an example of the principles describedherein. FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the utility meter 106with the housing 122 and a cover 124 removed, according to an example ofthe principles described herein.

The housing 122 may be any enclosure that covers the entirety of thecover 124, the PCB 120, and the lower support structure 126, and atleast portions of the base 128. In one example, the housing 122 isopaque to provide solar shading and UV light protection for thecomponents within the utility meter 106. In one example, the housing 122includes a “white body” material whose surface absorbs relatively littleor no electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength. Stated in anothermanner, the white body of the housing 122 may be a material thatexhibits relatively little or zero absorptivity for all wavelengths. A“white body” is in contrast to a “black body” that absorbs all incidentelectromagnetic radiation regardless of frequency or angle of incidence.In one example, the white body of the housing 122 may be a whitematerial that absorbs relatively less electromagnetic radiation and/orwhose surface absorbs relatively little or no electromagnetic radiationof any wavelength. By providing the white body of the housing 122, theutility meter 106 reflects more incident electromagnetic radiationrelative to a housing that is another color (e.g., gray, green, blue,etc.). This, in turn, reduces the solar heat gain caused by an increasein thermal energy within the utility meter as it absorbs incident solarradiation since at least a portion of that incident solar radiation isreflected off of the housing 122 as compared to housings of differentcolors.

The cover 124, PCB 120, and lower support structure 126 are locatedbelow the housing 122 and between the housing 122 and the base 128. Thebase 128 may couple to the housing 122 such that the base 128 serves aspart of the housing 122 enclosing a rear open end of the housing 122. Inthis manner, the housing 122 and the base 128 serve to enclose cover124, PCB 120, and lower support structure 126 along with any othermechanical and electrical elements associated therewith and/or containedtherein. The housing 122 may be coupled to the base 128 by, for example,one or more of snap-fit fasteners, screws, bolts and nuts, dowels, pins,clips, mating threads between the housing 122 and the base 128, keys,latches, rivets, tracks, channels, groves, and other fastening elementsor devices. The base 128 may be coupled to a surface of a residence, abusiness, or an electrically powered device for which the utility meter106 is used to measure the amount of the utility consumed.

The housing 122 may include an opening 204 that exposes the cover 124so, for example, user-readable information displayed on the cover 124may be viewed by a user. In one example, the opening 204 may include atransparent material such as, for example, glass, plastic, etc. toensure that objects, precipitation, dust, dirt, and other environmentalcontaminants do not enter the utility meter 106 while still allowing forthe reading of the user-readable information displayed on the cover 124.As depicted in FIGS. 2 through 5 and 7, the cover 124 may include anoutput device 202 that presents to a user information such as, forexample, a reading of an amount of utility consumed as measured by theutility meter 106. In the example of FIGS. 2-8, the output device 202 isa liquid crystal display (LCD), but any type of output device may beused including, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED) display, anorganic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, a thin-film transistor(TFT) LCD display, a printing device, and other output devices.

The cover 124 may also include printed information 206 affixed to orprinted on the cover 124. This printed information 206 may include, forexample, information about the utility meter 106 such as serial numbers,model numbers, voltage ratings, electrical specification, and otherinformation that may assist a user such as a technician in identifyingthe utility meter 106 and its functions and capabilities.

As depicted in FIGS. 3 through 8, the base 128 may support and/or becoupled to the lower support structure 126. The lower support structure126 may include a number of first or upper pillars 312 and a number ofsecond or lower pillars 504. The lower pillars 504 are formed on thelower support structure 126 to extend down toward the base 128 andengage with and/or couple to the base 128 to secure the lower supportstructure 126 to the base 128. In one example, the lower pillars 504 mayengage with a number of retention sleeves 506 to retain the lowersupport structure 126 in alignment with the base 128 in at least thex-direction and y-direction as indicated by the coordinate indicatorspresented on each of FIGS. 2 through 8. In one example, the lowerpillars 504 may couple with the retention sleeves 506 such that thelower support structure 126 is also maintained in alignment with thebase 128 in the z-direction.

The upper pillars 312 are formed on the lower support structure 126 toextend upwards towards the PCB 120 and cover 124. The upper pillars 312may extend upwards to engage with and/or couple to the PCB 120 and/orthe cover 124 to secure the PCB 120 and/or the cover 124 to one another,to the lower support structure 126, to the base 128 and/or the housing122, either directly or indirectly. In one example, the upper pillars312 include protrusions 310 that extend from the ends of the upperpillars 312 through apertures 316 defined in the PCB 120. The PCB 120may seat on ridges 314 formed on the upper pillars 312 at the base ofthe protrusions 310. In this manner, the upper pillars 312 along withthe protrusions 310 extending through the apertures 316 defined in thePCB 120 may retain the lower support structure 126, and the PCB 120 inalignment in at least the x-direction and y-direction as indicated bythe coordinate indicators presented on each of FIGS. 2 through 8.Further, this arrangement causes the PCB 120 to be secured to the lowersupport structure 126 such that movement of the PCB 120 relative to thelower support structure 126 is minimized in at least the x-direction andy-direction. Further, the formation of the ridges 314 on the upperpillars 312 supports the PCB 120 and minimizes movement of the PCB 120in the negative z-direction, the negative z-direction being in thedirection of the base relative to the PCB 120.

In one example, a number of the upper pillars 312 may not includeprotrusions 310 but may include ends at a point along the height ofthese upper pillars 312 where the ridges 314 are formed on those upperpillars 312 that do include the protrusions 310. These upper pillars 312without the protrusions 310 support the PCB 120 and minimize movement ofthe PCB 120 in the negative z-direction as the ridges 314 do in theupper pillars 312 that do include protrusions 310.

In one example, the upper pillars 312 and/or the lower pillars 504 maybe formed along a perimeter or outer edge of the lower support structure126. By placing the upper pillars 312 and/or the lower pillars 504 atthe outer edge of the lower support structure 126, air within theenclosed utility meter 106 may convect to allow for heated air to movefreely throughout the utility meter 106 within the housing 122 from onearea to another. A number of electrically powered devices and elementsincluded within the utility meter 106 may produce heat within thehousing 122 of the utility meter 106. Further, the utility meter 106 maybe exposed to direct or indirect electromagnetic radiation from the sunwhich may cause the internal temperature within the utility meter 106 toincrease. Convection within the utility meter 106 that allows for heatedair from one area inside the utility meter 106 to move to relativelycooler areas may cause the electrically powered devices and elements tooperate at cooler temperatures, increase their lifetime, and/or increasetheir efficiency. For example, heat produced by the electrically powereddevices and elements located on the PCB 120 heats the air within thehousing 122 of the utility meter 106, and this heated air is allowed tomove past the upper pillars 312 and/or the lower pillars 504 to otherareas within the housing 122 resulting in a cooler environment in whichthe upper pillars 312 and/or the lower pillars 504 may operate. Further,in one example, the upper pillars 312 and/or the lower pillars 504 maybe dispersed along the perimeter or outer edge of the lower supportstructure 126 such that air may easily flow between two neighboringpillars.

The lower support structure 126 may further include a number ofpedestals 404. The PCB 120 may also be seated on the pedestals 404. Thepedestals 404 may, like the upper pillars 312, support the PCB 120 andminimize movement of the PCB 120 in the negative z-direction as theridges 314 do in the upper pillars 312. Further, the pedestals 404 mayinclude recesses 406 defined in the pedestals 404. The recesses 406allow for snap-fit fasteners 502 formed on the cover 124 and extendingdown past the PCB 120 and to the lower support structure 126. Forexample, the snap-fit fasteners 502 are formed on the cover 124 abovethe pedestals 404 and engage with a bottom of the PCB 120 as thesnap-fit fasteners 502 elastically deform and deflect around the PCB 120and return to their original state. In this manner, the snap-fitfasteners 502 couple the cover 124 to the PCB 120 and retain the cover124 in alignment with and in engagement with the PCB 120 and the lowersupport structure 126 since the recesses 406 retain the snap-fitfasteners 502 therein. For example, engagement of the snap-fit fasteners502 of the cover 124 to the PCB 120 and, simultaneously, within therecesses 406 of the lower support structure 126 causes the cover 124,the PCB 120, and the lower support structure 126 to be coupled to oneanother and remain aligned relative to one another in the x-, y-, andz-directions.

The lower support structure 126 also includes a number of snap-fitfasteners 402. The snap-fit fasteners 402 of the lower support structure126 couple the PCB 120 to the lower support structure 126. For example,the snap-fit fasteners 402 of the lower support structure 126 extendtowards the PCB 120 and the cover 124. The snap-fit fasteners 402 areformed on the lower support structure 126 along any portion of the lowersupport structure 126 and engage with a top of the PCB 120 as thesnap-fit fasteners 402 elastically deform and deflect around the PCB 120and return to their original state. In this manner, the snap-fitfasteners 402 couple the lower support structure 126 to the PCB 120 andretain the lower support structure 126 in alignment with and inengagement with the PCB 120 and the cover 124. For example, engagementof the snap-fit fasteners 402 of the lower support structure 126 to thePCB 120 causes the cover 124, the PCB 120, and the lower supportstructure 126 to be coupled to one another and remain aligned relativeto one another in the x-, y-, and z-directions.

As the snap-fit fasteners 502 of the cover 124 and the snap-fitfasteners 402 of the lower support structure 126 couple to the PCB 120,the cover 124, the PCB 120, and the lower support structure 126 arecoupled to one another and remain aligned relative to one another in thex-, y-, and x-directions. This alignment and mechanical coupling betweenthe cover 124, the PCB 120, and the lower support structure 126 reducesor eliminates the possibility of damage occurring to the utility meter106 during manufacture of the utility meter 106, transportation of theutility meter 106 to an installation location, installation at thelocation, and/or during maintenance performed on the utility meter 106.

Turning again to the housing 122, a number of retention tabs 302 may beformed on an internal surface of the housing 122. The retention tabs 302retain and support the cover 124, the PCB 120, and the lower supportstructure 126 within the utility meter 106. For example, the retentiontabs 302 extend away from the interior surface of the housing 122 andengage with a top surface of the cover 124 as depicted in, for example,FIG. 4. The retention tabs 302 engage with a top surface of the cover124 when the housing 122 is coupled to the base 128. In this manner,when the utility meter 106 is assembled, the housing 122 assists insecuring the cover 124, the PCB 120, and the lower support structure 126within the utility meter 106, and maintains the cover 124, the PCB 120,and the lower support structure 126 within the utility meter 106 inalignment therein. For example, the housing 122 aligns and secures thecover 124, the PCB 120, and the lower support structure 126 in the x-,y-, and/or z-directions.

As mentioned above, the upper pillars 312 and the lower pillars 504assist in promoting convection of air throughout the internal areas ofthe utility meter 106 in order to mitigate or eliminate pockets ofrelatively higher temperature air within the utility meter 106 and moreeffectively protect the electrical components therein. The cover 124also includes architectures that assist in promoting convection of airthroughout the internal areas of the utility meter 106. In one example,the cover 124 includes a first area such as a surface area of the topside of the cover 124 that is smaller than a second area that is definedby an internal portion of a cross section of the housing 122 at a sameelevation of the housing 122 as an elevation of the cover 124 within thehousing 122. For example, FIG. 4 depicts a cut-away view of the housing122 at an elevation of the utility meter 106 approximately at which thecover 124 is seated within the utility meter 106. As depicted in FIG. 4,the cover 124 does not have a circle shape, but, instead, includes anumber of truncated or trimmed portions that separate the edge of thecover 124 from the internal edge of the housing 122. Because at leastone portion of the perimeter of the cover 124 is separated from theinternal surface of the housing 122, air within the utility meter 106may convect from the base 128 or back of the utility meter 106 to thefront of the utility meter 106 including in front of the cover 124.

In one example, the cover 124 may include a perimeter that includes atleast one portion that stands off of or away from an interior surface ofthe housing 122 as described above. In one example, the cover 124 mayinclude a perimeter that includes a first shape that is different from asecond shape of a cross section of the housing 122 at an elevation ofthe housing 122 equal to a position of the cover within the housing. Inone example, the cover 124 may include a non-circle shape, and a crosssection of the housing 122 at an elevation of the housing 122 equal to aposition of the cover 124 within the housing 122 is a circle.

In one example, the cover 124 may include a number of truncations 318formed around the perimeter of the cover 124. In this example, the cover124 may retain arcuate portions 320 at corner portions of the cover 124so that the arcuate portions 320 may interface with the retention tabs302 of the housing 122. Thus, the cover 124 includes a perimeter thatincludes at least one portion that stands off of or away from aninterior surface of the housing 122. In one example, the truncations 318may be formed by the cover 124 that would otherwise form a circularcover without the truncations 318 and place the edge of the cover 124 adistance from the interior surface of the housing 122.

In one example, the PCB 120 may also be formed in the shape of atruncated circle as depicted in, for example, FIG. 7. Thus, in a similarmanner as the cover 124, the PCB 120 may have truncations 702 andarcuate portions 704 at corner portions of the PCB 120. In this manner,the PCB 120 may allow air to convect past the PCB 120 both to the frontportion of the utility meter 106 toward the cover 124 and the backportion of the utility meter 106 toward the base 128 as does the cover124. In one example, the shape of the PCB 120 may match that of thecover 124.

Air flow and mixing through convection may be impeded by the uppercustomer facing support structures such as the cover 124 and the PCB 120but for the truncations 318, 702 and arcuate portions 320, 704 of thecover 124 and the PCB 120, respectively. Further, the upper pillars 312and the lower pillars 504 of the lower support structure 126 within theutility meter 106 also assist in the convection of air within theutility meter 106. Further, the convective airflow may be maximizedwhile not compromising structural integrity of the utility meter 106 orexposing the sensitive electronic components to harmful UV lightexposure by using the systems and methods described herein.

CONCLUSION

Because lower convective airflow, stagnant insulative air spaces, poorair mixing, and higher average temperatures within a utility meter mayoverstress sensitive electronic components included therein, thedescribed systems and methods make it possible for heat within theutility meter to be regulated such that temperature extremes withindifferent areas within the utility meter are reduced. This provides fora more efficient method of transferring heated air via convectionbetween areas within the utility meter resulting in a relatively moreuniform distribution of heated air within the utility meter. With arelatively more uniform distribution of heated air within the utilitymeter, the sensitive electrical components within the utility meter maybe less effected by heat and this, in turn, may extend the life of thoseelectrical components. Further, the minimalist design and the manner inwhich the housing, cover, PCB, and lower support structure mechanicallycouple to one another maintains the structural integrity of the utilitymeter.

While the present systems and methods are described with respect to thespecific examples, it is to be understood that the scope of the presentsystems and methods are not limited to these specific examples. Sinceother modifications and changes varied to fit particular operatingrequirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in theart, the present systems and methods are not considered limited to theexample chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes andmodifications which do not constitute departures from the true spiritand scope of the present systems and methods.

Although the application describes examples having specific structuralfeatures and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that theclaims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or actsdescribed. Rather, the specific features and acts are merelyillustrative of some examples that fall within the scope of the claimsof the application.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vented support system of a metrology devicecomprising: a lower support structure comprising a number of pillars anda number of first snap-fit fasteners; a printed circuit board (PCB), thePCB being coupled to the lower support structure via the number of firstsnap-fit fasteners; and a cover comprising a number of second snap-fitfasteners, the cover being coupled to the PCB via the number of secondsnap-fit fasteners.
 2. The vented support system of claim 1, wherein thenumber of second snap-fit fasteners couple the cover to the PCB, thelower support structure, or a combination thereof.
 3. The vented supportsystem of claim 1, wherein the number of pillars of the lower supportstructure interface with the PCB, the cover, or a combination thereof.4. The vented support system of claim 1, further comprising: a base; anda housing coupled to the base, wherein the housing is a white body. 5.The vented support system of claim 4, further comprising: at least afirst pillar of the number of pillars, wherein the first pillar supportsthe PCB and mechanically couples with the cover, the first pillarcausing the PCB to stand off from the lower support structure andcausing the cover to stand off from the PCB.
 6. The vented supportsystem of claim 5, further comprising: at least a second pillar of thenumber of pillars; wherein the second pillar extends from the lowersupport structure to the base to cause the lower support structure tostand off from the base.
 7. The vented support system of claim 4,wherein the cover has a first area smaller than a second area of a crosssection of the housing at a same elevation as an elevation of the coverwithin the housing.
 8. The vented support system of claim 4, wherein thecover has a first shape that is different from a second shape of a crosssection of the housing at a same elevation as an elevation of the coverwithin the housing.
 9. The vented support system of claim 4, wherein thecover has a non-circle shape, and a cross section of the housing at asame elevation of the housing as an elevation of the cover within thehousing is a circle.
 10. A support system of a metrology devicecomprising: a lower support structure comprising a number of pillars anda number of first snap-fit fasteners; a printed circuit board (PCB), thePCB being coupled to the lower support structure via the number of firstsnap-fit fasteners; and a cover comprising a number of second snap-fitfasteners, the cover being coupled to the PCB via the number of secondsnap-fit fasteners.
 11. The support system of claim 10, furthercomprising: at least a first pillar of the number of pillars, whereinthe first pillar supports the PCB and mechanically couples with thecover, the first pillar causing the PCB to stand off from the lowersupport structure and causing the cover to stand off from the PCB. 12.The support system of claim 11, further comprising: at least a secondpillar of the number of pillars, wherein the second pillar extends fromthe lower support structure to a base to cause the lower supportstructure to stand off from the base.
 13. The support system of claim10, further comprising: a base supporting the lower support structure;and a housing coupled to the base, the housing supporting the cover inthree coordinate directions.
 14. The support system of claim 13, whereinthe housing is a white body.
 15. The support system of claim 13, whereinthe cover has a first area smaller than a second area of a cross sectionof the housing at an elevation of the housing equal to a position of thecover within the housing.
 16. The support system of claim 13, whereinthe cover has a first shape that is different from a second shape of across section of the housing at an elevation of the housing equal to aposition of the cover within the housing.
 17. The support system ofclaim 13, wherein the cover has a non-circle shape, and a cross sectionof the housing at an elevation of the housing equal to a position of thecover within the housing is a circle.
 18. A metrology device comprising:a housing; a lower support structure disposed in the housing, the lowersupport structure comprising a number of pillars and a number of firstsnap-fit fasteners; a printed circuit board (PCB), the PCB being coupledto the lower support structure via the number of first snap-fitfasteners; and a cover comprising a number of second snap-fit fasteners,the cover being coupled to the PCB via the number of second snap-fitfasteners.
 19. The metrology device of claim 18, wherein the housingsupports the cover in three coordinate directions.
 20. The metrologydevice of claim 18, further comprising: at least a first pillar of thenumber of pillars, the first pillar supporting the PCB and mechanicallycoupling with the cover, the first pillar causing the PCB to stand offfrom the lower support structure and causing the cover to stand off fromthe PCB; and at least a second pillar of the number of pillars, thesecond pillar extending from the lower support structure to a base tocause the lower support structure to stand off from the base.